Not many Browns fans expected Deshaun Watson to be replaced by Shedeur Sanders on Sunday after the quarterback’s winning start to the year. However, that is what fans got when Watson was taken out for a drive due to an apparent injury.
Sanders had seen just one snap this season — a one-play relief stint in Week 3 against the Panthers — making this his first extended action since the preseason, and it appeared that some rust had set in. Underdog NFL alerted countless NFL fans to the lineup change in a post on X on Sunday.
Thanks for the submission!
•
Some fans responded directly to the alert. Others posted their own reactions separately. Regardless of where it was communicated, fans seemed to be far from impressed with Sanders’ showing.
Looking to predict NFL playoff Scenarios? Try our NFL Playoff Predictor for real-time simulations and stay ahead of the game!
“And he played absolutely awful. Just as expected,” one posted.
“shedeur sanders first full drive of the year ends in a turnover, is anyone surprised?” another replied.
“I’d rather pour bleach mixed with acid into my eyes than ever watch Shedeur Sanders play another down,” one responded.
More fans reacted negatively to what they saw from the quarterback.
“Shedeur Sanders is terrified to throw the ball down the field lmao,” one joked.
“Thank GOD Deshaun Watson looks okay to go, I wouldn’t be able to take 4 quarters of shedeur sanders hot n ready meat ball subs,” another posted.
“shedeur sanders is bad at football,” one assessed.
Watson entered the medical tent during the contest, according to Underdog NFL in a separate post.
Heading into Week 8, Watson had thrown for seven touchdowns and three interceptions. In seven starts, he was 5-2. Under his command, the Browns had managed to earn first place in the AFC North, and needed to defeat the Steelers to break the tie for first place in the division.
Deshaun Watson eyes manageable upcoming schedule to keep pressure on Steelers
The Browns are 5-2, with wins against the Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers and Steelers, including a win on Oct. 1. The upcoming schedule is set to be considerably more manageable than those three teams.
Watson will face the 2-5 New Orleans Saints on Nov. 8, followed by the 2-5 Houston Texans on Nov. 15. Watson will then get to face the sputtering Las Vegas Raiders in Cleveland on Nov. 29.
The Steelers arguably have a much tougher road ahead with matchups against the 5-2 Denver Broncos and division rival 4-2 Cincinnati Bengals in two of their next three games.
As long as Cleveland doesn’t implode from within, the Browns could be leaders in the AFC North in December for the first time in recent memory.
At that point, Deshaun Watson may have a case to pitch to Cleveland or any other teams heading into the offseason, almost regardless of what happens from that point on.
The question is whether any NFL teams will listen.
Edited by Ian Van Roy
